Insanity & Doom Update XXXII

A Chinese government official who oversees religious affairs said Tuesday that government restrictions on bishop appointments are not a violation of religious freedom, as he emphasized that religions in China must “adapt to socialist society.”

Chen Zongrong, former deputy director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, spoke at an April 3 press conference presenting a government “white paper” on “Chinese policy regarding the practice and safeguarding of religious freedom.”

“I disagree with the view that preventing Rome from having full control over the selection of bishops hinders religious freedom,” Chen said, according to the AP. “I believe there is no religion in human society that transcends nations.”

“The Chinese constitution clearly states that China’s religious group and religious affairs cannot be controlled by foreign forces, and [the foreign forces] should not interfere in Chinese religious affairs in any way,” he stated.

We saw this before, but I came across it when reading about a second priest murdered in the PI. Chen’s words are true if atheism is. The State must become god, and (stop me if this seems familiar) since the State is composed of men, men must become gods. And will.

Do not forget gods cannot be questioned. They can be appeased and petitioned, but not questioned. This is the future many long for.

Political passivity has long been a charge leveled against Christianity, primarily by the politically hyperactive left. If God controls everything and decrees arrangements as they are, and if he dispenses ultimate justice only in the afterlife, what is the point in mobilizing politically to right the wrongs of this world? Just endure your fate quietly, and you will get your reward. Rebel, and God will send you to hell. Romans 13 is taken as the locus classicus: “The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.””

Not only is such a view of Christianity simplistic and contrary to historical fact; it may be the diametrical opposite of a critical truth. It is arguable that Christian faith is responsible for the uniquely active concept of citizenship that originated in the Western world. Indeed, it has been argued plausibly that some strains of Protestant Christianity created the previously unknown concept of political radicalism.

This is contra Rod Dreher’d Benedict Option and is included in the Doom update because surrender is the default position of most Christians. But that’s likely because these fine people have decided to no longer believe in the supernatural aspects of their religion. Sure, progressives in their zeal are guilty of much excess, but their hearts are in the right place, which is to say, anchored here on earth. Read the whole thing.

ItemThe origins of sexism. Here are some headlines from a special issue of New Scientist—a science magazine.

The origins of sexism: How men came to rule 12,000 years ago

Human societies weren’t always male-dominated. The switch came when we became farmers – and that suggests ways to roll back towards a more equal system.

The hidden reasons why societies are violent towards women

30 per cent of women experience sexual violence in their lifetimes — bad parenting, low respect and the glorification of male competition are to blame.

How protective parents exacerbate gender differences

Yes, men’s and women’s brains are wired differently — but the science shows that outside influences can also shape our gender identity.

Why the patriarchy isn’t good for men and how to fix it

Societies can be taught to be less misogynistic, but the first step is understanding how gender norms have backfired on men as well as women

I experienced the patriarchy from both sides of the gender gap

Paula Williams transitioned from male to female six years ago. She talks about learning about her white male privilege the hard way

The fight for gender equality can be informed by science

With the rise of movements like #MeToo, now is a good time to ask why the patriarchy exists and why it persists

The dearth of women in tech is nothing to do with testosterone

Arguments over the causes of the gender gap in STEM jobs rage on. It’s not due to hormones or innate brain differences, says Lise Eliot

Kids everywhere have damaging gender stereotyping set by age 10

Global study reveals that gender stereotypes become ingrained in “tween” years, leading to life-long health consequences — particularly for girls

This is a series of articles attempting to show exact equality between men and women is real, despite all observational evidence. Even the evidence of male sexism, which, if it exists, proves inequality. Even noticing or carping about inequality proves inequality. How else can we tell men and women apart to complain they really are the same unless they were really different? But these results flow from patriarchical logic, which is much frowned upon.

I was interested in reading “The dearth of women in tech is nothing to do with testosterone” piece, but not enough to create a login. Google to the rescue, right? Well, no, not in the case, as all the roads led back to Rome, but I did find this article:

Is ‘a-fairyism’ (not believing in fairies, or believing fairies don’t exist) also a religion and a political system? What about your own atheism with regard to all gods other than the one you believe in?

Sorry. I should have said ‘as a “Christian”,’ since I’m precisely that sort of Christian whom atheists enjoy to point out fails to live up his high ideals—which, as we are all aware, atheists never fail to do.